ABSTRACT
Several aspects of orientation, spatial navigation abilities, and use of space in amphibians have received some attention in research analyses in natural environments. However, given the lack of information on spatial cognition of terrestrial toads (Rhinella arenarum) in the wild, we collected data on space use dynamics in their natural habitat. Sampling was conducted around the Chascomús Lagoon, Argentina, for two spring-summer seasons (from October to March). Toads were marked, their locations GPS-recorded, and the type of shelters used was identified. Results indicated that most toads exclusively used drain-type shelters, while a smaller proportion used field-type shelters. Those toads that shared a shelter had a greater overlap of home ranges than those that did not. There was no association between size of home ranges and sex, or type of shelter used. No differences were found in distance from shelter to home range centroid between different groups of toads. Data revealed that toads were inconsistent in directions moved and distance traveled. In addition, as expected, toads were more active on days of higher maximum temperatures and rainfall, and when fewer days had elapsed since rainy days. This basic information on space use of this species in their natural environment promotes future spatial orientation studies to allow comparisons with previous results on use of reference cues obtained under controlled laboratory conditions.
